Superintendent’s Leadership Team: Roles and Responsibilities

Superintendent – Ed Graff
The superintendent of schools is responsible for leading all functions and processes for the school district. The superintendent is charged with working with all internal and external stakeholders to implement and execute core strategies that produce results across the school district. The superintendent sets the academic priorities of the school district and serves as the primary decision-maker and spokesperson for Minneapolis Public Schools.

Chief of Academics, Leadership & Learning – Michael Thomas
The chief of academics, leadership and learning manages operational connections to support associate superintendents, principals and teaching staff in accelerating student achievement and overall school improvement that is aligned to the core values and academic goals of Acceleration 2020.

Chief of Accountability, Innovation and Research – Eric Moore
The Chief of Accountability, Innovation, and Research provides leadership for the full scope of the Research, Evaluation, Accountability & Assessment (REAA) Department, including MPS executive decision-support through
data analysis and interpretation and assuring that programs are in compliance with Federal, state, and local
laws.

Chief Financial Officer – Ibrahima Diop
The chief financial officer leads the division of Finance, which is responsible for the overall fiscal management of the district. The chief provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial strategies and priorities. The Finance division umbrella includes Accounts Payable, Budget, Payroll, Purchasing, and Student Accounting Departments. Some of the responsibilities covered in these departments are monies for student-generated revenue, legislative allocations, budget accountability, annual budget tie-out process, fiscal auditing as well as grants management.

Chief Information Officer – Fadi Fadhil
The chief information officer is responsible for the Information Technology strategy, computer systems, infrastructure, operations and deploying solutions that align with the district goals and objectives. Areas of focus include innovative use of technology to enhance, accelerate and transform student learning and academic achievement.

Chief Operations Officer – Karen Devet
The chief operations officer executes the operational priorities of the school district. The chief oversees key operational functions of the school district including instructional technology, facilities and operations.

Chief of Staff – Suzanne Kelly
The chief of staff advises and supports the superintendent on day-to-day matters and creates a culture of high expectations that result in accelerated student achievement and improved school performance. The chief serves as a liaison between the superintendent and elected officials, stakeholders and MPS families.

General Counsel – Amy Moore
The general counsel provides advice and counsel for the school board and MPS executive management on legal matters concerning the school district. The general counsel represents the school district in legal proceedings, litigation, court appearances, hearings and other disputes. The school district’s lead attorney also manages staff and contract attorneys and oversees policy development for the school district. The general counsel reports to the superintendent and school board.

Associate Superintendent – Carla Steinbach (Middle Schools & High Schools)
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance.

Associate Superintendent – Ron Wagner (K-8)
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance.

Associate Superintendent – Laura Cavender (K-8)
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance.

Associate Superintendent – Lucilla Davila (K-8)
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance.